Bella Boo is 8, what????

I can hardly believe that my baby girl is 8.

E I G H T, 8.

This year, I decided to keep it low key and invite 2 friends for a sleepover. The girls played, did crafts, created pillow cases to take home, ate cupcakes, had a "nail salon" set up, sang Opera, watched a movie and stayed up late. Bella came up with some rules and posted them on her bedroom door for the party. (FYI~ no tramp is trampoline) It was a total blast for Bella, she truly enjoyed her friends and her special day!

Caverns Field Trip

I got to chaperon Bella's class on a field trip to the Caverns. It was a hike through the underground caverns. The ground was slippery and wet, sometimes very narrow, at times the ceiling was only 5 feet tall, however, it was very interesting and fun. Some of the formations had names like "fried egg" and "throne". I enjoyed the time with Bella and her wonderful classmates. I also got a reminder lesson on the difference between stalagmites, stalactites and columns. (Whew, I am glad there was not a test!) We also got to "mine" for gold/jewels...Bella returned home with a bag of loot, she was thrilled. The jewel for me was special time with my daughter!

AWARD WINNER>>>>>>>

Bella won the Tim Duncan award at her school for displaying exemplary character traits of respect, integrity, dependability, fairness, caring and civic responsibility! She got a certificate and free tickets to the game....

This pic is of her at the SPURS game tonight...she was very excited about the big foam finger. She even got her tickets upgraded while she was at the game. Way to go Bella! I love you, baby girl.

Dr. Seuss

It is Dr. Seuss day for the first grade and Bella wanted to be Thing 1...She was the only one in the entire grade with blue hair and a handmade shirt, and she LOVED it. Reminds me of when I was a kid and I would say to my Mom the morning of school, "Oh, MOM, I need to be dressed up as a 50's character today" and she would whip up a poodle skirt and I would win best dressed.
I'm glad my Mom has always been creative and quick on her feet! She taught me how to do it, and thankfully, I have 2 girls that are going to be coming at me with last minute hurdles, right? I say, BRING IT!

Happy 7th Birthday, Bella!

Bella invited 4 girls to go bowling with her, then, the girls were whisked off to Baskin Robbins for Ice Cream CaKe!!!
The girls had a great time feeling like they were SuPeRsTaRs being chauffeured around town. All in all, it was a wonderful celebration for Bella.

To my precious Bella,

I am amazed at how you are turning into a "big girl". The way you talk and how you are all grown up is a very fun chapter in our lives... As a parent, you wish for all the magical and happy instances to be fully present in your children's lives, then, when your children help to make magic in this world, it holds your heart in such a pleasant and fulfilling way. Nothing makes me as proud as when my girls are kind, respectful and happy! You are all of those things and more...

Happy 7th Birthday my Precious Bella Boo!

TOOF Fairy

When you lose a front tooth, you may say "toof". You whisssstle your "S" soundsssss. Well, Bella has lost 2 bottom teeth and one front tooth in the past month. (I call her Chicklet)...hehe Anyhow, it is so funny listening to her talk with a sort of kind of lisssp, when she usually doesn't. Her other front tooF is loose. I guess if it happens before school starts she will be a Firssssth Grader!

Best Shot Monday

Bella discovered a heart shape in a bowl full of cherries and it filled her with happiness. The little things can make such an impact on us, can't they? Her laughter was my dose of happiness.....
What have you discovered that fills you with glee?

Fairy Tale Ball

Kindergarten is wrapping up for Bella and there are lots of festivities to celebrate the completion of the school year. One of the most exciting activities that occurs in our school is the "Fairy Tale Ball". Each child must come to school dressed as a character from a Fairy Tale. The teachers all dress in character and every classroom reads stories from different Fairy Tales.
Whatever your character, you must explain who you are and what Fairy Tale you are representing.

Bella chose to be "Rosetta", the garden fairy from Tinkerbell.

The Room Moms come in and decorate the cafeteria tables, set up the music and serve the children muffins and juice. Then the music begins, where all of the students dance together and celebrate going on to First Grade... It was a complete blast!

Peace of Work !

Bella has been asking me for months to teach her how to sew. I haven't had much free time to do this, but last week, I took the time to teach her a few basics. She had such a blast and kept asking me to let her sew more, more, more. (Oh, more more more just delivered me a Billy Idol flashback)....So, I let her piece fabrics together and create her own collage. She absolutely loved sewing...She even asked for a small sewing machine for herself (a girl after my heart, as if she doesn't already have it!)

Today, I decided to make something with her "Peace" of artwork, so check it out.. (click on the photograph for an enlarged view)

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I will be offering patchwork crosses and peace signs on the website VERY SOON. I just have a few more details and I will let you know when it is up and running...For now, here is a preview of Bella's Master-PEACE....

Dear Bella and Lexie,

In the beginning, your parents are there to help you to crawl, walk, run, ride a bike, learn to read, help you to grow into the person you are meant to be......



Sometimes you may fall along the way, but we will be right beside you to help you up, dust you off and encourage you to get back on......



When the time is right, we will step aside and let go....to watch you soar.
Whether you are on a two wheel bicycle, competing in a sport, trying out for drill team, acting in a play, dancing in a recital or simply wanting to conquer the world, the one thing that will always remain solid ground for you, is your family.



So, it is ok to let go and soar, because we are ALWAYS going to love you, be proud of you and support you in your endeavors.
Way to go Bella! Look at you, riding a two wheel bike with only one lesson in a soccer field!

100 days of Kindergarten

Bella's school had a "dress up as a 100 year old man or woman" day in honor of the 100th day of school. This was Bella on the 100th day. In person, she looked really cute (actually)...
Bella had a fun filled day of activities, laughing and walking like old folks. Gosh, I feel like an old lady half the time, good thing I still have my "wits about me", so that I can dress right.

Best Shot Monday - Wii'R Boxin!

Boxing on the Wii with Uncle Moose....



For more Best Shots, head on over to Tracey's (she has some very exciting news!) CONGRATS TRACEY!

The Pillowcase Dress

Maybe it is the nature of the Pillowcase dress, the sweet ties, the versatility....It is still a classic favorite of mine to make... and now that I am selling these SUPER CUTE SASSY Pettipants underneath, who can resist?
Bella and I did a mini photo shoot to display the many uses of the Pillowcase Dress and it was fun. She wanted "Libby Lu" hair, so I did my best to pull that one off... I have a few Holiday Marketplace Shows this week and have been in full speed ahead, sewing, gluing, building, ironing, creating.

However, I have still made time to take my girls to see HSM 3 and a few other fun activities. Working from home has it's perks, I suppose. Please don't come and visit this week though, one of those "perks" is not having time to clean the house...
Hmmm, shouldn't an at home studio come with a housekeeper? I think YES! I am calling my boss now.

Tootles.....

Greater Lengths

Bella decided she wanted a new look. Check out her new do!

4 1/2 inches cut off. She looks so grown up. It is very sassy on her. She actually wanted it shorter, even after the girl cut it, but Mommy wasn't ready (haha). Maybe next time.....